JOB: Sports editor, Las Vegas Optic

The Las Vegas Optic, an award winning tri-weekly newspaper in Las Vegas, New Mexico, is seeking a sports editor. The successful applicant will be a multi-talented writer, photographer, paginator and social media content creator who is dedicated to excelling at local coverage, identifying and producing enterprise stories and contributing to special sections. The position’s primary responsibilities include game coverage of local sports, but also sports features and taking sports stories beyond the routine. This person must be organized, deadline-conscious and a stickler for accuracy and fairness. This position reports to the editor.

The Optic is published on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and has a circulation of approximately 3,550. Las Vegas is approximately 60 miles northeast of Santa Fe and is at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range in the southern Rockies. The newspaper is owned and operated by Landmark Community Newspapers, LLC and can be found online at www.lasvegasoptic.com. The newspaper offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and paid time-off benefits.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field desired
Excellent writing, researching and interviewing skills
Solid grammar, spelling, punctuation and social media skills required
Ability to shoot photographs and video using a digital camera
Knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop as well as knowledge of PDF process
Strong communication, organization and time-management skills
Willingness to work with the general public on a daily basis providing excellent customer service
Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required
Available for evening and weekend work as scheduled
Essential Functions:

Cover all sporting events in the county, both high school and amateur level
Produce and layout all sports pages on deadline
Develop weekly and long-range story and photograph ideas.
Shoot photos using a digital camera and work with Adobe Photoshop.
Establish and nurture sources among athletes, coaches, administrators and others involved in local sports.
Demonstrate understanding and commitment to serving readers.
Work Schedule: Full-time, exempt position; generally five days per week with some evening and weekend work required.